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Starting German Classes
I start taking German classes in high school. My teacher inspires me so much, I decide to become a German major in college 4 years later. -
Washington Internship
After graduating with my bachelor's degree in German, I intern in Washington, DC for a summer. I love the city, but I've met my future husband. And he lives back in New England. And I actually don't want to work with the sharks in DC. So I network through my internship boss and land a job back in Cambridge, MA. -
Corporate America Life
My illustrious career as a receptionist begins. It's not what I thought I'd do post graduation, but it helps me pay my bills, including those college loans. I quickly learn how important networking is. It also helps to get along with a lot of people. Besides being the right thing to do, you never know which department might be looking to hire someone next. -
The World of IT
I get a promotion as a web design/developer in the IT department. It's something I mostly enjoy but don't fully feel I've found where I belong. The people are great, and I'm paying my bills. -
The Layoff
After 3 buyouts and at least 40 rounds of layoffs, my number comes up and I'm let go. And I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant with my second child. But I no longer enjoyed my work and most of my colleagues that I really liked working with have already left. I was very upset when they first told me, but it was time for change. I was also able to fully focus on being a mom. -
Stay at Home Momhood
I'm a full time stay at home mom! It's the most rewarding and tiring thing I've ever done, but it doesn't bring in any money. Having worked since I was old enough to babysit, this is a tough thing to deal with. The need to feel I pull my weight financially runs deep. At the moment though, there's nothing else I'd rather do. It's not time yet to go back to the workforce and I wouldn't give up a single day that I spent with my kids. This was what I was meant to do. -
Pondering
My daughter is in kindergarten and I start thinking of what jobs I could get to bring in some money. I think about a return to retail where I could work mothers' hours when both kids are in school full time. It's not what I want as a career, but it would fill some time and I'd be bringing in some money again. -
The Library
I start volunteering in the library at my kids' elementary school. I help out in there so often, staff start telling me I should apply to substitute and at least start earning some money for my time. -
Substitute Teaching
My daughter is in first grade so I finally have a long stretch of time in the day where I can work. I take the suggestion from the school staff and I apply to substitute. I quickly find I really like being in the classroom and I enjoy (most of) my days there. -
Masters Degree Time
I tell a friend, who happens to work at Rivier that I'm substituting. She tells me to talk to her when I'm ready to apply to grad school. The seed is planted, but takes a little time to grow. Finally, I contact her, apply to Rivier, and am now on the road to becoming a certified teacher. I hope to someday become a middle school social studies teacher.
